As Dhadak 2 gears up for its release on 22 November, audiences are eager to see how the film will expand upon the complex themes introduced in the first Dhadak. Written and directed by Shazia Iqbal and produced by Dharma Productions, this spiritual sequel to the 2018 film also serves as a remake of the Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal (2018). Starring Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi, Dhadak 2 promises to delve deeper into the sensitive topics of casteism, classism, and love.
The original Tamil film explored nuanced issues of casteism, sparking important conversations through its intense love story. With the sequel’s impending release, anticipation grows: will Dhadak 2 take a bolder stance on these issues or offer a fresh perspective?
With these themes remaining as relevant as ever, Dhadak 2 has the potential to make a powerful impact, possibly reshaping the franchise’s cultural footprint.
The original Dhadak was a Bollywood adaptation of the Marathi film Sairat, which offered a raw look at the tragic consequences of caste prejudice. In contrast, Dhadak reframed the story through a mainstream lens but faced criticism for glossing over caste discrimination and being a poor remake. Despite these critiques, the film was a commercial success.
For Dhadak 2, audiences are curious if the filmmakers will preserve the social realism of its predecessor, potentially offering a more nuanced exploration of caste and class while still providing the romance and drama that captured audiences the first time.
On Reddit, fans are worried that Dhadak 2 might repeat the mistakes of the first film. One commenter specifically expressed concern that the sequel could alter the original ending for shock value, further detracting from its message.
Moreover, some fans have raised concerns about the narrative focus in Dhadak 2, with one user stating, “It’s literally THAT obvious. It’s NOT a romance,” arguing that the core of the story should not revolve solely around a love story, as was the case in the original film.
Others have pointed out the overly simplistic portrayal of caste issues, such as the “Dalit lives matter” graffiti shown in the movie trailer, calling it “laughably on the nose” and suggesting that the filmmakers lack faith in the audience’s intelligence.
As these conversations unfold, many are also calling for representations of Dalit lives that extend beyond tragedy, discrimination, or pain. One Redditor suggested a desire for a comedy or a light-hearted film that centres Dalit identities without pedestalizing Dalit pain, stating, “Can we have a Dalit movie that isn’t about tragedy, discrimination or pain?”
While plot details are under wraps, Dhadak 2 could be a meaningful examination of love’s struggle against societal boundaries, much like its predecessor. As audiences prepare to see how the film tackles these themes, Dhadak 2 promises to be not just an emotional journey but a potential touchstone in contemporary Bollywood.
